Saint Salvage

This striped wool scarf used to be so long that I could wrap it around my neck four times with plenty of extra hanging down.  This was one of the items "saved" from our house fire in May. It came back to me from the dry cleaners measuring a paltry 10" wide X 36" long.  Waaahhh! What to  do? So, after some thought and brainstorming, I decided to still use it. I folded it over into thirds lengthwise, so that the seam would face my neck. Then, I pinned the entire seam, so I could hand sew it as straight as possible. I used a blanket stitch with red thread on the outside of the scarf seam (what would become the "right" side of the scarf). This is the side that will touch my neck and clothes.  Then, I turned it inside out, and blanket stitched it again, to make sure that the project would be nice and strong and maintain its shape. Then, I turned it right side out and pressed it on the "wool" setting. ...

How to color a leather purse.... This one happens to be a Prada bag. Yup, real deal. Here's the story behind this post. I bought a beautiful Prada bag at an estate sale earlier this year. Sadly, we had a fire in our house (in May 2013), and whatever could be salvaged went out to the professional cleaning service. It came back to me physically intact, and not reeking of smoke. But.... it needed (ahem) color adjustment. Step 1: Collect your supplies This step is a "no duh" step, but sometimes it really needs to be said. I got the purse, latex gloves and a can of Meltonian  Nu-Life Color Spray in 645 Chocolate.  I made sure sure to read the can, since the dye in this can is basically a can of spray paint that is suitable for use with vinyl, plastic and leather.  The directions state very clearly to use this in a "well-ventilated area", so I decided to take this project outside.  Step 2: Spray the "Color Spray" on the...

After the Fire: July 15 Progress Photos Mammoth Restoration  came back to the house to remove the temporary counter that was installed on  July 3. I really like how it all goes together! The counter was selected on  June 21.  The sink came from  Burlington County Habitat for Humanity's ReStore . The dishwasher came from  Camden County Habitat for Humanity's Pennsauken Store . The fridge came from the Burlington County ReStore and the stove and microwave came from the Pennsauken Store. It looks great!!!!! Tomorrow is grouting day!!!! Here's a close up on the tile. The details: Jeffrey Court Verona 12 in. x 12 in. Glass Wall Tile Model # 99135 from Home Depot. Here's a close up on the counter chip again: It's called  "Bella Capri" by Wilsonart . It's  HD® High Definition® Laminate. (Following is their description) The classic beauty of Granite. This design has a layering of gold...

After the Fire: July 10 Progress Photos This was an important milestone. The rest of our flooring was completed. This was my inspiration. My neighbor has tile going from his front door all the way through to his kitchen. I really liked that idea, but..... It's all off-white, and it's tile, complete with grout. I had a feeling that it would not do well in my household. So, we went with this:  Let's flash back to the post I made on:  June 21 2013 Vinyl in the  "Ebony"  shade , by Karndean. Here's the flooring in the utility closet.... All the flooring was installed by the  Floor Coverings International  team, from Medford, NJ. In the kitchen, going into the utility closet..... I love this color. It looks like weathered wood. In the dining room (the washer and dryer will get moved into their closet by the Mammoth Restoration  team). Last view..... looking from the dining room out the...

After the Fire: July 5 Progress Photos Here's what was different today:  The furnace and HVAC were all finished.... The air conditioning unit was fired up.... The gas was turned on to all the appliances, except for the washer and dryer... The extra lockset (left) was installed. I got the idea from the hotel's lockset (right). Clothes were delivered.... Lots hanging up.... Lots more in boxes....

After the Fire: July 3 Progress Photos Here's what is different, as of today. The furnace is all buttoned up.  I can't wait until it's tested out on Friday. Sniff.... I wish it were more energy efficient. The new water line going to the new fridge. Ah, yes.... I need to order the water dispenser for the fridge. Now..... the temporary counter that is holding up that beautiful black enamel coated cast iron sink  Habitat for Humanity's Burlington County ReStore  on June 20. All the cabinets have the  Liberty Oil Rubbed Bronze 3 in Half Round Foot Pulls from Home Depot  that I bought earlier this week. I did a little research on that sink, faucet and soap dispenser that I bought for $40. That sink originally was sold retail  MoenStone Granite single bowl sink Black  for $645+. The faucet  Moen CA87316BL Renzo One Handle Low Arc Pullout Kitchen Faucet Matte Black  originally sold retail for $245+. The soap ...